1921 $20 St. Gaudens MS61 NGC sold for $117,500 in the Heritage Signature AuctionJuly 11-14, 2013

Despite the fluctuating and depressed metals market and a typically slow time of year with excessive weather and vacation time, the Annual Summer FUN Show was considered a success. Many dealers are reporting that retail business was better than expected and attendance was good for this time of year.

With metals seemingly stabilizing and possibly on the rise, it was a good sign for dealers at FUN, especially since many potential buyers were taking a wait and see stance during the recent metals downturn. One ounce Proof Gold Eagles are back up to $1,495 in OGP. Proof Silver Eagles are $52 among dealers. Premiums are strong for ninety percent silver coins as physical demand is dominating over paper demand. Bags are trading at $16,375 and VG Silver Dollars wholesale at $25,650.

The Heritage Auction at FUN was another successful event. Some extraordinary coins crossed the auction block and many of them had the CAC sticker. Buyers have become increasingly competitive when a rare coin has the CAC green holographic sticker affixed to the holder. For example, the 1848 Seated Half Dollar in PCGS PR65 CAC brought $70,500. This is the only coin certified by PCGS in PR65 and NGC has only one graded higher.

Another remarkable example was the 1849 Seated Quarter in PCGS PR65 CAC which realized $47,000. The FMV for this coin is just $35,630 and we have it listed in CAC at $41,300. It is speculated that there are only five coins known and the value appears to be headed higher.

There were many more highlights in this sale with Twenty Dollar Gold leading the way. The 1921 $20 Saint Gaudens, which always attracts eager buyers, has only 23 coins certified by PCGS and NGC in MS61. This rarely offered date was the most anticipated coin in the sale and sold for well over the previous Market price. Below are several coins that attracted spirited bidding.

Date/Denomination

Grade

Price Realized

1921 $20 Saint

MS61 NGC

$117,500

1807 Bust Dime

MS65 PCGS CAC

$41,125

1817/3 Bust Half

MS64 PCGS CAC

$61,688

1802 $2 ½ Gold

AU58 NGC CAC

$30,550

1850 O $20 Gold

MS60 NGC

$64,625

1861 O $20 Gold

AU55 PCGS

$58,750

1863 $20 Gold

AU58 PCGS CAC

$24,675

1889 CC $20 Gold

MS61 PCGS CAC

$17,625

Registry collectors have been the prime factor for the increases in high grade Modern coins. These collectors want the best grade, and when the populations are low, it only takes a couple of competitive potential buyers to make prices jump. In this week’s Moderns Wholesale Market Dealer Price Guide there are numerous advances in MS67 Red Lincoln Cents, from the 1938 D at $120 Market to 1948 S at $125. Even some of the MS66 dates are higher for coins where the MS67 price is substantially higher. For example, the 1947 in MS66 Red is up to $92; the MS67 has a Market value of $2,100. This is a very tough coin in the higher grade.